I am fortunate enough to have just returned from Sardinia and 4 days at the award winning Forte Village located on Sardinia's south coast. After an early morning flight from London Gatwick to Cagliari, which is only 2 hours and 20 minutes, and a quick 40 minute transfer we arrived at the resort. A stunning 116 acre tropical garden, an oasis of tranquillity it reminded me of stays in the Indian Ocean. Bags dropped and golf buggies ready, we were whisked off to the 5* Hotel Il Castello. This elegant, Mediterranean hotel is just metres from a powder white sand beach and the clearest of ocean, a stunning location.
The Forte Village consists of 8 hotels, 13 villas and 40 suites, all very different and caters for families and couples alike. The Village is large but spread out in such a way it affords privacy. The resort offers a choice of 21 restaurants and 14 bars, from buffets to fine dining and including 3 Michelin star restaurants and the produce arrives each day from the village's own gardens. We were fortunate enough to eat in Cavalieri for breakfast and the most gorgeous meal in Le Dune, a sophisticated a la carte restaurant with a view of the beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Ristorante Sardo is where we feasted on local Sardinian food, Ristorante Brasiliano which is a treat for the meat lovers, delicious meats spit roasted over a charcoal grill. Our lunches were spent in the Pizzeria, offering freshly made pizzas, pastas, salad and fresh fish plus an ice cream bar for those with a sweet tooth. My favourite was the salad bar and the freshest of seafood and tuna. What a treat. Our pizza making lesson on one of the days tested our cooking skills that most of us had never uncovered before but was such a treat to work with the chefs and truly admire how skilled they are!
The highlight for me over the 4 days was a visit to the award winning Acquaforte Thalasso and Spa. Thalassotherapy is based on the principle of sea water at different temperatures and salt concentration. This consisted of 6 different saltwater pools set outdoors in the gardens. These pools are filled with water drawn from the sea and the high saline concentration has a detox effect on the body. I am not a water baby but this was the most amazing relaxing and rejuvenating experience I have ever had in a spa. The perfect place for wellness and relaxation.
Forte Village is recognised as a sports resort and academies with 25 different professional academies. The most popular I think is the Real Madrid football but followed by rugby, basketball, tennis, swimming, sailing and biking to name a few. They offer professional training and benefit from training with the professionals. Even a go-karting academy and we had the pleasure of taking part in some go-karting, some much better than others and I certainly didn't make the podium. Quite rubbish in fact, it looked easy I thought.
This village is every child and teen's paradise. I have to say I have never seen facilities so good for families. Leisure land for the teens with the go karting and the bowling. The younger members can enjoy children's wonderland, including a kiddie's club, pools, Mario’s Village and the Barbie house which appeared to be a very popular venue! For all ages including the grown-ups, there's the Aquapark with the waterslides, children’s waterpark and pirate ship. If it's shopping you like there are more than 40 shops, mainly luxury high end designer boutiques but others offering local Sardinian crafts. It was a pleasure and privilege to enjoy 4 days at this tranquil oasis. A resort suited to couples and families alike.
What did stand out for me was the exemplary service, nothing was too much trouble and it felt like you were with family with staff having worked there for years. On the way back to the airport on the last day we went and visited the Palazzo Doglio hotel which is the sister property to Forte Village. Situated in the historic centre of Cagliari and built around a beautiful courtyard. This would make a great twin centre to combine beach and relaxation with a few days in the city for a few nights. Until next time Forte Village. CIAO.
